Twenty million dollars is the amount of an initial investment by Key Safety Systems (KSS). The US company announced yesterday its plans to increase its production capacities in Europe through an investment in Macedonia.

The plant, covering an area of 10.000 square meters, will be build in Kicevo in the free economic zone, said Viktor Mizo - director of the Directorate for Technological and Industrial Development Zones (TIDZ) - and Jim Scarpa, KSS Sr. Vice President of Global Operations.

"Our initial investment, including costs to build the factory, will range from 15 to 20 million dollars. It could be extended in the future provided that we have a success and positive experience in the first stage of our plans. More investments could come afterwards," stated Scarpa.

The plan consists of launching a brownfield operation in late 2014, followed by a greenfield operation in mid-2015. The initial phase of the investment is focused on airbag cushion manufacturing and will create 800-1000 new jobs.

Contacts with the company to invest in Macedonia started in September 2008 followed by numerous meetings and talks in Macedonia and the United States.

Talks and negotiations are under way with companies serving as suppliers to KSS to locate their production process in Macedonia to meet the demands of KSS, according to Mizo.

These include US companies that have their own capacities in the United States, Europe, China, Japan, Korea, India and South America.

Key Safety Systems (KSS) is a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of automotive safety-critical components and systems including inflators, airbags, steering wheels, and seat belts. Its products are featured in more than 300 vehicle models produced by over 60 well-diversified customers worldwide. KSS is headquartered in Michigan with a global network of 29 sales, engineering, and manufacturing facilities employing approximately 9,000 people worldwide. The company has 5 main technical centers located in the US, Germany, China, Japan and South Korea.